Costco recalls burgers over food poisoning fears

Wholesale chain Costco has extended a recent product recall after it emerged more products may be contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria.

The company says there is a risk packs of Dr. Praeger’s brand Frozen Organic Veggie Burger could contain Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause food poisoning and serious illness.

The move follows a recall of Organic by Nature brand Organic Vegetable Medley earlier this month for the same reason.

Symptoms caused by Listeria can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

Organic by Nature Product: Vegetable Medley Pack 2.5kg, with a best before date of 7 February 2017

In a letter to customers who bought the products, Costco said: “If you have any of this product at home and it has not been consumed please destroy it, you may obtain a full refund on your next trip to a Costco warehouse. Whilst your receipt will not be necessary for the refund it will help speed up the refund process.”

The recall is linked to an ongoing listeria outbreak in the United States, which is currently under investigation.